High school athlete shares ACL tear experience

WHITESBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - Several of our high school athletes have experienced injuries like Nerlens Noel's in recent years, including a starter for the Letcher County Lady Cougars, who has recovered from an ACL tear.

Senior Vannah Breeding says she knows the feeling Noel went through when he hit the floor in Tuesday's game.

“You just don't scream like that on a dislocation. I mean, when you do it you know it in your head. I think any athlete will,” said Breeding.

She has also torn her ACL, and says it was something she will never forget.

“My mom was standing really close to the base line and I was yelling at her I tore it. I tore it. I tore it, and then I was just screaming,” said Breeding.

Physical therapists say most ACL tears happen with a quick pivot and rotation of the knee, which is exactly what Vannah experienced, and that kind of tear can take months to heal.

“The ACL is actually one of 4 ligaments of the knee; so assuming it’s just ACL and it’s not another ligament or a meniscus, 6 to 8 months,” said Physical Therapist, Tiffany Sexton.

However, Breeding believes Noel will recover as well as she has.

“He's going to come back from this probably stronger it's a long process but he'll be fine,” said Breeding.

A process she is glad to have behind her.

Letcher Central has one more game before the district tournament begins next week.

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